Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy - fertility diagnosis

What is Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a method of directly visualising the inside of the uterine (womb) cavity by using a thin telescope camera. It is used to investigate and treat different conditions of the uterus such as polyps, fibroids, septum or scarring inside the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy can be performed either under anaesthetic (deep sedation) or while being awake just with painkillers and/or local anaesthetic.

Why perform a Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose potential problems with a woman’s womb, or to treat them if they are known.

Conditions that may be investigated with Hysteroscopy are:

Infertility

Recurrent miscarriage

Heavy and irregular bleeding

Conditions that can be treated with Hysteroscopy include:

Fibroids

Polyps

Scarring

Thickening of the uterus lining

What is the process for a Hysteroscopy?

Preparing for the Hysteroscopy

You should take a day off work to undergo the procedure, particularly if you plan to undergo the Hysteroscopy under sedation. The Hysteroscopy should not be performed while you are menstruating because this can compromise the images, but it can be performed on any other day of the cycle. The Hysteroscopy can be performed with or without sedation, as you prefer. Patients undergoing the procedure without sedation are advised to take painkillers around an hour beforehand, while patients using sedation are required to stop eating and drinking 6 hours prior to coming in.

The day of the procedure

All hysteroscopies are performed in our state of the art operating theatre in our flagship St Paul’s clinic, using some of the most advanced equipment available. When you arrive, after you check in at the reception you will be guided to the recovery area where you will have your own bed and you will be asked to change into a gown. You will then be seen by your doctor who will take your written consent and by the anaesthetist if you will be having sedation. Afterwards you will be taken in the theatre area where you will lie in the bed and your legs will be positioned in knee supports. At this time if you are having sedation the anaesthetist will put a drip in your arm and you will be put to sleep. If you are awake we aim to complete the procedure without the need for a speculum (the instrument used when you have a smear taken). The telescope camera (hysteroscope) will be gently passed through the vagina and cervix and into the uterine cavity. Normal Saline (salt water) is passed down the hysteroscope. After the doctor inspects the uterine cavity they will take pictures and may proceed to any appropriate intervention

The actual procedure duration depends on the findings but usually doesn’t last more than 15-30 minutes.

After the procedure

After recovering in the clinic for an hour or so you will be able to go home. You may experience some mild symptoms such as cramping similar to menstrual cramps; these should pass within a day or two. The results of the Hysteroscopy will be fully explained by your doctor, and a written report provided.

If you feel that this procedure may be helpful in your situation we recommend you discuss this with one of our fertility consultants prior to booking this. To arrange an initial consultation please call 03332407300 or fill in our contact form.